Wine Spectator list the 2009 Columbia Crest Horse Heaven Hills Cabernet Sauvignon as one of their 100 Outstanding Values for 2011. These are wines that they rate 90 points or higher and cost less than $18.00. The 2008 Colombia Crest Horse Heaven Hills Merlot also made the list so you should be happy if you can find either one. I think I’ll go through the Wine Spectator list and pick out a few more wines to try. First I will see if I can find the Colombia Crest Merlot and then the Spanish or Australian wines. With 100 wines on the list I should be able to find several to try.
The wine is a nice deep ruby color and the nose has ripe dark fruit with a little caramel and vanilla. The first thing I got in the flavor was a big burst of mocha, then ripe dark fruit and smoke. The tannins are smooth, good acidity and a light long finish. This is really an excellent wine for the price and I highly recommend it (14.5 alc.).
I agree. I’m contemplating joining their wine club. Are they owned by or associated with Chateau Ste. Michelle?
I don’t know if the have a relationship with Ch. St. Michelle but there wines are consistently good. They seem to show up in the WS Top 100 fairly often. Decent prices, too.
Columbia Crest is often underrated and usually a pleasant surprise with a reasonable price point.